Film Co-op Workshop Blog

The Blog and Wiki sites

2007-04-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

2007.03.29 13.08

The wiki, http://filmcoop.schtuff.com is migrating to pbwiki. They had a lot more space and free zip backups, things which costs more money than we can spend at present monthly at pbwiki. But the free account is pretty darn good now that I've had some time to play with it.

It only has 10Mb, but after playing around with my own pbwiki, http://cainmark.pbwiki.com
, I've found a way to use offsite links to my works in conjunction with my freemind created html files. Since we'rre mostly going ot have outlinkks to members of the workshops own pages and works, this should suit us well. Take a look at it, and change what you feel you should and/or can on the filmcoop workshop wiki.

This is now the wiki page at pbwiki.

http://filmcoopworkshop.pbwiki.com/

The password is: alabama

With that you can change anything about the page. You do NOT have to be a pbwiki user with a pbwikiIdentity. You just have to know the password.

The blog is now only the livejournal one at:

http://community.livejournal.com/filmcoop_work/

Wiki for the Alabama Filmmaker's Workshop created

2007-02-17T17:28:00.000-06:00

At our last meeting, I explained how the upgrade on Blogger basically froze others besides me from entering. I'd long thought a wiki would be a good way to go for the workshop aspect.

I experimented with several. (I really like pb wiki http://www.pbwiki.com but it had only 10 meg of space. fine for personal stuff, but I think we'll have used more than that by a couple of years.)

After learning what I could about them, this site seemed to be the best compromise:

http://filmcoop.schtuff.com/

The rules are the same as here, it's just at schtuff instead of blogspot now:

http://www.filmcoop.org/filmmakers.html#blog

I picked schtuff since it has blog features as well as wiki features, and tagging.

Saturday, Jan. 27 -- Sierra Club Film Festival

2007-01-27T12:42:00.000-06:00

From the film co-op e-mail. Cross-posting encouraged

Saturday, Jan. 27 -- Sierra Club Film Festival. The festival will
start at 4, with the last movie starting around 9. It will be broken up into
three parts: the 4 o'clock, the 7 o'clock, and the 9 o'clock.

The 4 o'clock showings: 'French Fries to Go'. An award winning film
by Howard Donner (Telluride Mountain Film Festival and Mountain
Film's "Best Environmental Film Award")
telling the story of Charris Ford, "The Granola Ayatolla of Canola."
This humorous yet educational film shows Ford as he travels and
educates folks about
biodiesel in his truck that runs on recycled french fry grease.
(grassolean.com)

'The Vineyard Energy Project'. Tells of one island community's (Martha's
Vineyard) use of solar power. (vineyardenergyproject.org)
'Storm in the Gulf'. When this episode of The Sierra Club Chronicles was
being filmed, Hurricane Katrina was days away from hitting the Gulf
Coast. The episode focuses on the folks who oppose drilling in Gulf
Islands National Seashore.
An eclectic group of people speak out to expose and shame the
Governor (Haley Barbour)
for paving the way for oil and natural gas companies. In addition to
these movies, the audience will also be treated to cartoons by Mark
Fiore. These cartoons will be shown between movies at the 4 o'clock
showing as well as the 7.

The 7 o'clock showings:
'Kilowatt Ours'. Opening with a speech by Dick Cheney, this film by Jeff
Barrie looks at the current energy problems and solutions. He
journeys from West
Virginia coal mines to solar panel fields in Florida and discusses
conservation at home and the use of clean renewable energy.
(kilowattours.org)

Narrated by Cameron Diaz, 'Powershift' discusses how energy affects
the lives of people across the world. Architect William McDonough
(who was named "Hero
for the Planet" by Time Magazine) discusses global warming and steps
that people
can take personally to help reduce it.

The 9 o'clock showing:
'Earth to America'. A star-studded comedy aired on TBS in 2005 as a telethon.
This special was part of The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas. It
features Steve Martin,
Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Ben Stiller, and Jack Black, among others.
There are sketches, music, and even stand-up comedy. The special,
though humorous, covers
a very serious subject: global warming. Donations accepted.
Credits: Tina Leach
Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Dr., Huntsville.

Film and Video Tutorials. Cross posting encouraged

2007-01-21T20:00:00.000-06:00

Found this neat site

“Detonation Films is dedicated to putting the fun back in filmmaking
by establishing a new paradigm between digital media and online entertainment.

And also by blowing stuff up.”

http://detonationfilms.com/missionstatement.htm

Nifty tutorials

http://www.matthawkins.co.uk/index.php?module=pagesetter&tid=5&topic=3

“Movie Making Equipment you can make easily at home”
http://www.softweigh.com/video/diy.html

“The Skypod
A Camera Boom”

http://www.ee0r.com/proj/skypod.html

This is a good concise book

Film Directing Shot by Shot, Stephen Katz.

http://www.librarything.com/catalog.php?work=100384&mode=card

This looks pretty cool.

http://www.arclightcinemas.com/(i5fw3zru43q1xhi43vocgkf0)/arclight/about.html

Film Co-op_Lost in Light and Dreamworks short film competition. Cross posting encouraged

2007-01-21T19:59:00.000-06:00

This is a cool idea.

"Lost in Light is a project devoted to preserving, showcasing, and celebrating films created on the small-gauge 8mm film format.

To that end, we provide free Super 8 and 8mm to video transfers to anyone who asks, in exchange for posting their video to the Lost in Light site and on the Internet Archive with their choice of Creative Commons licenses. In addition, Lost in Light includes articles and features by members of the filmmaking and film preservation communities, video tutorials for making 8mm films, as well as creative work, all with the goal of preserving and championing this important film format."

http://lostinlight.org/about/

"Welcome to your chance to win a ONE MILLION DOLLAR DEVELOPMENT DEAL with DREAMWORKS. Anybody from anywhere around the world can enter (13 and older please), but you’ve got to do it no later than February 16th, 2007."

http://nalts.wordpress.com/2007/01/18/burnett-spielberg-offer-1-million-development-deal-to-undiscovered-fimmakers/

http://www.thelot.com/

Six word story opportunity

2007-01-05T15:06:00.000-06:00

Recently a "youtuber" issued a challenge to create a "six word story", I've got two posted you may want to view. Check out some of the other folks stories too, some are very good. Search "Six Word". I found this gives a creative writing challenge as well as a short video production challenge.

I found some "free music" on OpSound.com (Thanks to Jim R. - I learned about the user license music site at a Alabama Filmmakers Co-op Workshop - the workshops are a valuable tool for learning techniques and sparking ideas - DON'T MISS THEM.)

Here's my two SIX WORD STORIES:

"The Too Close Encounter" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqnPUrijRUA

Video Truth With A Twist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VppSqnfe0_E

Special Announcement - The local Government Access TV channel

2006-12-15T00:03:00.000-06:00

From Don's e-mail

"Special Announcement -

The local Government Access TV channel (Ch 16 on Comcast, Ch 42 on Knology) has extended a generous offer to the Film Co-op. They will provide an opportunity to show some of your short films as part of a special 1 or 2 hour broadcast program. The films must be 20 minutes or less and be the equivalent of a G or PG rating (no curse words, no nudity or implied sex or violence) and can contain no political messages or images. If you had a film accepted into the Rocket City Short Film Festival in the "Family" category, please let us know if you'd like to take advantage of this opportunity. Members with other or newer short films, please contact us as soon as possible. Quality of the images, sound and editing will be important criteria for selection. The authors (director or producer) may also include a very short intro before their film. The city maintains a music license that covers broadcast of your film locally. Don Tingle will be working out the details (format, length, potential broadcast dates, etc.) starting next week. If this first attempt is successful, we may have additional opportunities in the near future. Please contact: Don Tingle, Film Co-op workshop coordinator, at 256-837-4359 (leave a message) or e-mail at DonJTingle@aol.com by December 20."

Next Meeting-look for a sign on the door when you get there. Sunday, December10th from 2 to 4 pm

2006-12-05T21:27:00.000-06:00

Next Meeting-look for a sign on the door when you get there. Sunday, December10th from 2 to 4 pm

From Don's e-mail:

"EDITING. This coming
Sunday, December 10th from 2 to 4 pm at the Flying Monkey Arts Center.
Sponsored by the Alabama Filmmakers Cooperative. www.filmcoop.org

Among the topics we'll discuss:
1) What is "Editing"? I tell the kids in the summer workshop that
there are only 3 things you can do to a movie clip: Trim it, Cut in
into 2 or more smaller clips, or Throw it Away. After that you
assemble the clips in the proper order to tell the story. Simple rules
but applying them requires as artists eye and a master storytellers
sense of timing.
2) Editing trends in movies - from silent movies that had one shot for
several minutes to MTV-imitating 3sec cuts. If you have a favorite
scene in a DVD that illustrates an editing technique, please bring it
along. I'll bring a few examples. If you have a favorite editor,
bring a list of their notable films as suggested viewing. I have
enjoyed reading Walter Murch's "In the Blink of an Eye" and certainly
Murch is no slouch in the editing room.
3) In Camera Editing techniques - you don't normally think about doing
that any more but there was a time (in my miserable experience as a
wedding videographer) that you would do most of yout editing In Camera.
When everyone has a computer (with iMovie or Final Cut?) why would you
want to edit in camera? Let's talk about it. Obviously for weddings
its great - you go in with a "Shot List" and the day is scripted down
to the minute. But for a "movie"? Can you really use this technique?
How about a Documentary?
4) I'd still like to set up a couple of computers and break into teams
to see what different groups come up with when editing the same footage
without a script. unfortunately I only have one iBook. If anyone has
another laptop on which you can edit some footage, please let me know
and bring it along. I'll have some clips on mini-DV, with camcorder
and firewire cable to load onto your laptop. If you need something
other than a standard VGA connector to hook up to an external monitor,
let me know. If we don't have another computer, we'll project the one
on the screen and work together to examine options for creating a scene
from raw video clips.

And as always, if you have a work in progress that you can show us - up
to 10min worth, please bring that. My daughter completed a documentary
on the homeless and I'll twist her arm to show her opening montage.

Also, we'll be following up on last months discussion about getting
started on a Movie Makers Skills and Availability Matrix to access via
our web site and plans for next year's film festival. Does anyone know
any local movie makers who are entering the UNA/George Lindsey film
competition? If so, please invite them to come to the meeting and tell
us about their entry. Maybe we can gather a small crowd to carpool
over for the festival (I believe it is March 1-4).

The Film Co-op Board will be meeting immediately after out workshop -
it is open to the public and always in need of your support. I don't
know if our workshop will be upstairs on still be downstairs. So look
for a sign on the door when you get there. Sunday, December10th from 2
to 4 pm See you there.

Any questions, feel free to e-mail to call me (home: 837-4359)
Don"

Notes from 20061112 workshop meeting

2006-11-29T00:04:00.000-06:00

From Don's e-mail:

"All,

I'm not very good at taking notes, especially while hogging the floor...

But here's what I got so far.

Of immediate importance:

1) Tina Leach has offered to help with booking movies. Linda will be ecstatic!!! Also Tina seemed very supprtive of item 4 below - maybe we can have one of those type film nights early in the new year.

2) Trevor Britton will look into what we will need to be able to add a form system tied to a data base to allow people to enter their movie making interests/skills and contact info into an on-line data based accessible via the co-op's web site. This will give us the online data base of local filmmakers, actors,crew, etc. that we've been hoping to build.

3) Next workshop will focus on EDITING. I will bring my iBook and see if I can find a second computer to edit on. We will have a couple of topics:
a) In camera editing techniques (including transitions)
b) Editing overview, trends and theory. We may show clips from classics to illustrate.
c) Editing Smackdown - two teams with the same footage to see if they can create something entirely different. Tom and Elizabeth Hagle will look over the student workshop video to see if there are clips to use, I'll gather other footage and workshop original tape. We plan to load the same takes on both computers, so everyone has the same starting place.

4) RECOMMENDATION: Host an invitational film festival to present award winners, audience favorites and other short films. This could be done in lieu of presenting a theatrical release movie. Movies like "Moved", "AirBand" etc. could be used to attrack an audience for a mix of short films. No competition. (suggest we add a certificate awarded for participation in an "Invitiational" festival, in lieu of payment - something they can put on the film's and key people's resumes.)

Film Festival Discussion with recommendation for consideration by the Film Co-op Board:
1) All Entries must have been Made withing previous 18 months
2) Select an Independant Review Panel to select films for exhibition
3) Focus on LOCAL films (i.e specify that they must have been made by local people from within a 50 (TBD) mile radius of Huntsville. The consensus was that this festival should champion local filmmaking thought not totally exclude those from a wider area.
4) Consider accepting Regional films in their own category
5) Consider dividing categories into "Amateur" vs "Advanced" (not really "pro") where "Advanced" would include those entries that have received awards at other regional film festivals or where the principals involved have been local or regional winners in the past.
6) Do not show "out of competition" films. The group recomended having special non-competitve shows with invited films. These were recommended to be help at least once or twice each year.
7) Allow the student filmmaking workshop to compete - the students are not judges and the judges should be independant of all filmmakers, thus removing any possible conflict.
8) Develop a formal Jury process. We will hold talks in January on techniques for jury selection and implementation used by other festivals. Ask SideWalk and/or Nashville festival management about their process.
9) Develop a sponsorship program to get area business involved in the festival. This will include looking for and contacting employers with matching funds programs, and those such as softdrinks and leading corporations with significant corporate sponsorship of community events. We will address this over each meeting for the next few months, make some preliminary contacts and make recommendations by early spring. Sponsorship may include having sponsor awards where significant donors select a judge to select on their behalf and they provide a separate prize.
10) Develop standards for rating movies and include those with the application process so each applicat must state that they meet criteria for a given rating (e.g. comparable to MPAA ratings)
11) Limit entries to come from Producer or Director, not any other member of cast or crew.
12) Ban movies from advocacy or professional productioin groups.
13) Require Parent approval for all youth entries, with the parent specifically signing that the work was the prodict of the youth's labor, not the parents, schools or other groups.
14) Keep the festival to one evening
15) If appropriate, look at other theater-like options for presenting the festival: suggestions included Rennaissance Theater, Bob Jones, Lee, or Butler Highschool theater, Madison Sq 12, or the VBCC Playhouse used by Theater Huntsville.

Members of the workshop are willing and able to assist with planning for nextyear's festival.

when then spent the next 30 to 40 minutes demonstrating and studying several devices for camera movement - a homemade crane, a ladder-cam, a couple of camera stabilizers, including the "Fig Rig".

The Fig Rig seemed very popular. Here's the site to make your own.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shygantic/tags/figrig/

If I left anything out or anyone recalls something different, please let me know.

Present at the meeting: Michael Adams, Stan Williams, Tina Leach, Allen Berry, Tom Hagale, Elizabeth Hagale, Trevor Britton, Rhodes Rustler, Sam Tumminello, Stanley Hendrix , Sri Mandadapu , Don Tingle

Thanks and I'll look forward to seeing everyone at next months workshop,

Don"

If you have anything you use when shooting with the camera moving, bring it along and show the group.

2006-11-11T16:04:00.000-06:00

From Don's e-mail:

"just a reminder. Workshop meeting tomorrow from 2-4pm at the FLying Monkey If you have anything you use when shooting with the camera moving, bring it along and show the group. I believe we are still meeting in the downstairs room. I'll try to get there a little before 2 to open the doors. If the weather is agreeable, we may set up a couple of the bigger items outdoors - more light and more room to experiment.

Also if anyone can help the film co-op with things like writing the newsletter, negotiating deals for future movies, distributing flyers for movies/events, please let me know. Linda Haynes has been carrying multiple responsibilities for the last few years but is not longer able to do all these things. Please consider volunteering - each item is only a few hours per month and it's a great cause,

See you tomorrow,
Don
"

Meeting this Sunday at 2pm_Move that Camera!

2006-11-10T00:03:00.000-06:00

2006.11.09 23.55

From the e-mail. Don's doing this move that camera workshop. Show up if you can. :)

Sunday, Nov. 12 @ 2 pm -- Monthly filmmakers workshop -- Move That Camera!

If you are making low budget movies, you'll enjoy this months workshop topic - camera movement. Smooth camera movement. How do you create those smooth tracking shots? What about that pedestal shot that glides effortlessly from floor level to an overhead view? Do-it-yourself and very low cost camera stabilizers, dolly systems and even, yes, a DIY camera crane. Learn how to build your own with a total investment of $15 to $50. Bring your camera and try them out (at your own risk!). And if you have a rig that you built or bought and can demonstrate it to the group, please bring it along. Have you ever heard of a "Blue Sky" transition? How about a "Swish Pan"? Simple tripod based camera movements that add visual interest to your productions. The focus is on Camera Movement.

In addition, if you have a work in progress that you'd like to show-off or get feedback from others, bring a clip of 10 minutes or less (must be PG-13 or less equivalent rating). And there will, as always, be time for open discussions on any and all topics related to movie making. Join us. More info: Don Tingle donjtingle@aol.com

Tuesday, Nov. 14 @ 7 pm -- Film Co-op board meeting. Everyone welcome. Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Dr., Huntsville.

"Move that Camera!"

2006-11-01T18:02:00.000-06:00

This months meeting is on Sunday Nov 12 from 2 to 4 pm. Below is the announcement for the meeting that will appear in the Film Co-op's weekly newsletter. We have a topic for this months workshop: "Move that Camera!" and it's about every conceivable way to get moving shots in your production - whether its a low budget indy or just some family video in the back yard.

You've seen the expensive camera stabilizers that cost from $200 to $$thousands. But there are articles on-line for home made ones that work pretty well - a huge improvment over hand held camera movement. Last year, Sri brought one he made and it worked really well. On the web, you'll find that design if you google "$14 camera stabilizer" (ok, the web site is http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/ ) But have you heard of the "Fig Rig" - invented by director Michael Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas) and sold by Manfrotto for a few hundred $$. There's a PVC pipe version your can built for less than $10. I'll bring mine to the workshop.

Also, do you think you need something fancy to do a dolly shot for your production? Stanley brought his garden cart to the workshop to help shoot scenes for Tina's short film and that worked really well, but there are other ways. In the Filmmaking Workshop for Kids, we used a small handtruck rolling over an 8ft folding table (the concrete floor was too bumpy). But I'm working on one that rolls along the rails of a ladder laid over a couple of saw horses. So far it looks promising. It also works for "pedestal" shots. I call it the "LadderCam." I'll bring that.

And if you want to tackle the "crane" shot - I built a small one for less than $50 - believe me, one look and you'll see how I did it.

Study the designs, shoot a few moments on your camera to compare with hand held shooting. Maybe you'll be inspired to build your own or improve upon these designs. One thing is for sure, you will gain some new shot ideas for your next production. But we'll also talk about ways to improve the stability of handheld shots. So join us, share your ideas and practical experience.

My First-Ever YouTube.com pieces

2006-10-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

Folks - remember when we did our one minute film challange a few months ago? Well I tweaked mine a bit and used it for my first-ever YouTube.com piece. Check it out. It's the abstract one I did with a deck of cards called: "Building A House Full". I've had over 30 people to view it since I posted it yesterday. Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pa9tOyCXcs

Also I loaded a Sept. 2006 documentary I did of the demolition of the center span of The Tennessee River bridge. Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guvKLbaXgwQ

YouTube is fun to have an opportunity for a lot of people to see, rate and comment on your work - I feel it helps in the learning process, but it surely was fun to see my amateur piece on the BIG SCREEN last Friday night [Oct. 20, 2006], and in front of a live audience at our Rocket City Short Film Festival. After I saw a few of the competitors pieces I was ready to withdraw mine. There were some very good pieces in all the categories - but what-the-heck, that's part of the learning process too.

The film festival was a success because of all the hard work the Film Coop Volunteers do. A special thanks to Don T. for his technical expertise that kept the show running in spite of the "glitchy" DVD's. Good job all!

Sam T.

Winners Announced for the 2006 Rocket City Short Film Festival!

2006-10-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

Winners Announced for the 2006 Rocket City Short Film Festival

From the Film Co-op e-mail:

"Special Announcement -- Oct. 21, 2006

=============================

Winners Announced for the 2006 Rocket City Short Film Festival

The Alabama Filmmakers Co-op announces the winners of the Rocket City Short Film Festival!

Over 150 people gathered at the Flying Monkey Arts Center in Huntsville last evening to view and vote on the creative productions by youth and adult filmmakers. The winners and those receiving special mention were chosen via ballots completed by our enthusiastic audience.

Youth Category:

Winner -- "Solemates" by Elizabeth Hagale of Huntsville, Alabama.

The Filmmakers Co-op also gives special mention to "The Hunt" by Stuart Russler of Madison, Alabama and to "Jalapeno Chip" by Leah Dunkel and Cayce Savage of Huntsville, Alabama.

"Family Friendly" Adult Category:

Winner -- "Moved" by Jim Issa and Scott Ippolito of Atlanta, Georgia.

The Filmmakers Co-op also gives special mention to "Roommates" by Benjamin Stark and Ethan Crowe of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and to "Boneshakers" by Aaron King of Nashville, Tennessee.

"Mature Themed" Adult Category:

Winner -- "The Assassinator" by Stan Williams, Allen Berry and Jeff Cook of Huntsville, Alabama.

The Filmmakers Co-op also gives special mention to "Phone-A-Clone" by Charlie and Cindy White of Huntsville, Alabama and to "White Bitch Down" by Jon Hill of Atlanta, Georgia.

The winner of the Youth Category receives $50; both Adult Category winners receive $100 each.

We congratulate all the winners and everyone who submitted films to the festival. We know how much time and dedication is needed to produce a film -- even these short ones!"

Rocket City Fim Festival_Don needs HELP!

2006-10-18T22:18:00.000-05:00

"Hello all,
Just a reminder. If you plan to come to the Film Festival this Friday and can come a little early or stay a little late to help with set up or take down, please let me know.

We received well over 30 films so to get the total run time (with breaks, judging, changing DVDs and the normal start delay as people filter in), we are showing only 24 films and expect that to take almost 4 hours total. There is something for everyone in this festival - from film-noir mysteries to a pop-music video, scary halloween to a couple of puppies, tear-filled drama to goofy humor.

Make sure to bring a folding chair, if you can. There is a Crash Boom Bang theater show going on upstairs that same night and I expect they'll need a few chairs. And the Flying Monkey finally got rid of the broken down sofas and chairs - which were often our back-up seating. We expect a great crowd.

Also, bring snacks and drinks or buy from the Monkey's concession stand - or Tina's Cantina will be open till 8 or 9 pm.

Again, if you can come help out, please let me know so we'll have an idea how many hands we'll have.

Thanks and see you Friday night, 7pm ( or earlier),
Don"

I work till 8 on Friday, and probably won't be able to get there until 8:40 or so, so the only thing I could help with is breakdown.

Unfortunatley, Tina's Cantina will be closed Friday for a private function that day.

Rocket City Short Film Festival is Friday, Oct. 20 @ 7 PM

2006-10-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

2006.10.14 13.11

Friday, Oct. 20 @ 7 PM -- The Film Co-op presents the Rocket City Short Film Festival.

Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Dr. in Huntsville. Admission $5 / $3 Film Co-op members.

From Don's e-mail:

"Hello all,

As you are probably aware, the film festival is next Friday, Oct 20th.
Believe it or not, we got over 30 entries this year. So many that we'll have to
exclude a few just due to time constraints.

But we have many excellent entries - a few are spectacular. I've watched them
all and except for a few that were too slow paced (typically poor editing
rather than story), I've really enjoyed them. With changing DVDs between shows,
and showing as many as possible, looks like we have 3.5 hours (or more) for
the program. This is exciting news - maybe next year we can show on 2 screens
or over 2 night.

We expect a big crowd for this event and need a few extra hands getting set
up Friday night. Also, I need to show someone else how to set up and use the
new audio/video cart. If you can help out - setting up chairs before the
festival, running concession, helping with equipment, or clean up afterwars,
please let me know. We'll need help setting up starting around 6pm on Friday,
show time is at 7pm. One benefit of working the event is free admission.

Please note, for families or kids: the first half of the festival will
consist of the Youth category films - 5 great entries plus our filmmaking workshop
for kids movie - followed by selections from the adult submissions that are PG
or G equivalent rating. We'll have a break before going to the PG-13 or R
equivalent rated films (we have 3 films that, IMHO, are R-rated and those will
be shown last).

Our audience awards will be done by ballot - one award for youth and one for
adult. We'll need help passing out, collecting and then counting ballots.

Whether you can work the event or not, please come support the festival.
You'll get a great overview of the broad and dynamic local film making scene.
And a chance to meet fellow filmmakers.

Let me know if you can help,
Thanks,
Don"

Photo Flea Market Oct 29 at the VBC.

2006-10-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

From Don's e-mail:

"For the kids who participated in the Filmmaking Workshops and for others who
are interested in Film Making... One event I look for every year is the annual
Photo Flea Market sponsored by Sutherland Photo. (I'm not associated with
anyone involved in the fleamarket) Used photo and video gear, sometimes at
great prices. This year, it appears that it is scheduled for Oct 29 at the
VBCC.

This is a great place to find odds and ends that are valuable for film makers
- used light stands, reflectors, filters, tripods.... you name it.
Sometimes you get great buys - like the time I got a specialized clamp for a light
stand for $1 - a new one would have been $25 at the online discount places. I
got old, slightly rusty light stands for $10 each (work just as well as new
ones) I recommend that you think about what you need, price it on-line (e.g. on
e-bay) and carry a price list with you. Most of the venders are small photo
supply stores and they are usually willing to deal - so they don't have to
pack it all up and carry it back home.

Also, they will have used video cameras and film & digital photo cameras.
Old video cameras are more problem than they are worth (in my humble
opinion). But if you have an old SLR 35mm film camera, you might find a new lens for
it... or someone to buy it from you for a good price. Make sure you know
the filter size for your videocamera - you can often find great buys on filters."

Meeting Notes of the film co-op workshop of 2006_10_08

2006-10-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, October 08, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N. Reynolds
Attendees
Elin
Stanley
Danielle
Jim
Ben
Don
Sam
Heidi

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Rocket City Film Festival is Oct 20th

http://www.filmcoop.org/events/2006/rcsff.html

Film Co-op
2.
DVD and VHS players weren't in the film co-op library so we used the DVD player on the TV in the Film co-op library
Jim
3.
showed his promo reel, then his Western short, “Black Rock Creek”
Nature sounds were dubbed in and looped.
Very good camera angles. Great costume designer for this short.

Ben
4.
made and brought in a new cart for the film co-op equipment. That's where the DVD player and video player were hidden.
Don
5.
discussed two of his favorite sites for finding new material to see, mash-up re-mix and re-use, all legally with content under Creative Commons Licenses or in the Public Domain.

http://www.archive.org

and

http://www.creativecommons.org

Jim
6.
talked about the workshop for kids he organized and led for the film co-op over the past two summers
Don
7.
said she and her friend made a murder mystery spoof called “There's No War in France”. They made it up as they went along. Said they may bring it next time if they can get the better version into a format that will play on DVD.

This led to a discussion of the difficulties of no real standardized format or codecs.
Heidi

Everyone
8.
Emphasized that getting people to show up consistently is difficult.
Don
9.
used storyboards for his Western.
Directed a new group of people. Wrote script in May, shot in September. Makes a detailed shot list as a guide. But only a guide. If something different works, he uses that.
Ben
10.
Unless a simple two person shoot, make sure you have coverage on site (If can't or don't have the time in pre-production to do storyboards.)
Don
11.
posted previous post about a storyboard program on the blog.

http://filmcoop.blogspot.com/2006/10/storyboard-first.html#links

Sam
12.
Next project. Will be Storyboarding. 1st time working with money. Some investments. $200 budget. 30 minute short.
Ben
13.
Storyboarding is like an outline. It's not strict, can vary and change if you want to.
Ben, Don, Sam
14.
November. (17th). Gena Ellis on writing. she was part of team that won the 48-hour film competition. Screenwriter. Auctioned and written a bunch of screenplays. Optioned a lot in Hollywood. 1 script bought by a director in Australia. The film co-op is showing it in November. She will be there will have a Q&A (Question and answer process). Will hold an affordable Screen writing workshop in January.

Scripts people trying to sell scripts.

“Friday, Nov. 17 @ 7 PM -- "Angela's Decision"

Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Dr. in Huntsville. Admission $5 / $3 Film Co-op members.

Local screenwriter, Gena Ellis, will be present to talk about her experience from script to screen. Gena is an award-winning screenwriter with a wide range of scripts-- from drama to romantic comedy to period pieces to shorts. Her scripts have placed in many competitions, such as FilmMakers' American Gem, Austin Film Festival, OWFI, Scriptapalooza, Moondance Film Festival and the 48 Hour Film Project. Her dramatic script, "Angela's Decision," recently completed production in South Australia.

This is a special showing before the movie makes the film festival rounds. A reception will follow the screening.”
Don
15.
talked about recording studios in Florence in the context of talking about the movie Like Moles, Like Rats.

http://www.likemoleslikerats.com

Stanley
16.
talked about John Sayles next movie is “Honeydripper”, about the first black nightclub where an electric guitar was used. Being filmed here in Alabama in some town near Montgomery.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0829193/

Don
17.
talked about a guy doing Guerrilla film showings. Illegal showings of commercial films.

Uses a deep cycle marine battery, and an FM transmitter to show films illegally at the old Home Depot shopping center off of University.

http://community.livejournal.com/huntsville/445031.html

Don
18.
Said the film co-op meeting place and things may be moving upstairs. Unknown if this will be done before or after our November meeting. If before, just wander around asking for the film co-op
workshop meeting, if we don't get information in time.
Don
19.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your pod casts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)
http://filmcoop.blogspot.com
and the livejournal
film co-op community

Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, November 12, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

Storyboard First

2006-10-08T13:04:00.000-05:00

I find one of the best aids in producing a film is the storyboard. It helps the producer to build the story and sequence the shots. It becomes the "roadmap" for the production. It's time consuming, but will give the producer the assurance to proceed with a cohesive work.

A good program Storyboard Tool and free download application for both Mac and PC can be found at:

http://www.atomiclearning.com/storyboardpro

Sammy T 8 Oct 2006

Film Co-op MeetingNotes20060910

2006-10-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, September 10, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N.
Attendees
Stanley
Tina
Jim
Sam
Ben
Danielle

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
brought a short video of 20,000 frames a second.
Vision research. camera Phantom 7

High speed detonator placed on top of an empty coffee cup
Straight angle.

High speed photos require a lot of light.
Black and white easier than color (and less expensive) than color.
The trails behind the exploding debris are heat trails. NIH-images cold contrast image enhance
goes through image from by frame and adjusts the brightness upwards . default value usually ½ percent. since the is no on good setting, the above is useful.
Stanley
2.
Brought a portable monitor. An extension for a DVD player usually found in cars or vans. Can plug in headphones, makes for a larger live monitor for your camera.
Stanley
3.
Showed a rant he made about the difficulties of low-budget filmmaking.

Should have done more pre-production, specifically storyboarding.

Show notes to the rant:

http://www.archive.org
http://www.creativecommons.org

Jim
4.
Moved back form Tuscaloosa, made shorts
Ben

Danielle
5.
Rocket City Film Festival is Oct 20th
Film Co-op
6.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcasts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)
filmcoop.blogspot.com
and the livejournal
film co-op community http://community.livejournal.com/filmcoop_work/

http://www.filmcoop.org/filmmakers.html#blog
Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, October 08, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

Difficulties In No Budget MovieMaking

2006-09-15T01:13:00.000-05:00

Main Page

http://www.archive.org/details/JamesN.Reynoldsjr_20060913_DifficultiesInNoBudgetMovieMaking

64Kb MPEG4 (11 MB)

http://www.archive.org/download/JamesN.Reynoldsjr_20060913_DifficultiesInNoBudgetMovieMaking/jr_20060913_DifficultiesInNoBudgetMovieMaking_64kb.mp4

MPEG1 (98 MB)
http://www.archive.org/download/JamesN.Reynoldsjr_20060913_DifficultiesInNoBudgetMovieMaking/jr_20060913_DifficultiesInNoBudgetMovieMaking.mpg

Badasssss!

2006-09-08T00:12:00.000-05:00

Cross posting without malice.

A very good movie the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op is presenting next Friday:

Friday, September 15 @ 7 pm
Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Drive
Admission: $5 / $3 Film Co-op members

Ron Slaughter, professor at Alabama A&M University and founder of the AAMU African Cinema Series will lead a post-viewing discussion.

http://www.filmcoop.org/events/2006/badasssss.html

I highly encourage you to buy the DVD and listen to the awesome commentary. Grondbreaking in terms of getiing a picture made and distribution.

Green Screen fighting for the ninjas

2006-08-23T18:59:00.000-05:00

greenscreen fight scenes for the ninja flick now available. It's a huge MPEG file, but it has some nice shadow shots behind the green screen and some fun fight scenes for remixing into the stage area.

Tha's all the production work. Now to post-production!

http://www.archive.org/details/JamesN.Reynoldsjr_ninjafighting_20060611_camera1

The song guideline to go by when finding/making a creative commons by-sa like song is to do something similar to the sad feeling that goes along with Eric Carmen's "All by Myself" song.

The script, links to all the footage is all here. Edit and amake the movie your way as long as it's under a creative commons by-sa license and credit goes to "The Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op from a script by Tina Leach."

Add any credits here in the comments, I'm missing the last names and alter identities of some people who worked on this with us. I have them somewhere, just can't find them due to some time constraints and poor organization on my part lately.

2006-08-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, August 13, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N. Reynolds
Attendees
David Byrge http://www.byrgestudio.com/
Don Hegel (and daughter)
Stanley Hendrix
Tina Leach
Jim Reynolds
Don Tingle (and daughter Kristie)

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Another reminder that meetings are now the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Jim
2.
talked about a website he found describing a device placed between a video camera that allow using 35mm techniques like depth-of-field. Talked about history of widescreen. Cinerama-3 projectors, on three screen played at once.
Stanley
3.
talked about the film co-op kids workshop. While editing, he discovered a critical piece of information was missing so they have to do pickup shots.
Don
4.
brought what the film co-op workshop for kids has been working on. Adults just supervised. Older kids helped to produce.
Don
5.
set up equipment to show. Bad noise we couldn't isolate and get rid of from one line.
Don, Jim
6.
provided the smoke machine for the kids shoot.
David B.
7.
talked to David B. about doing a sad song for the ninja stage hand film.
Tina
8.
brought a DVD of her films. shows the “Dancing Ninjas” short she made. Also “Margarita Night” in Black and White.” and tried to show a gnome movie, but it didn't work right.
Tina
9.
got a card DVD player monitor. It's an LCD display with an amplifier. IT will take A/V from camera. Can use as a larger monitor for camera shoot. Comes with a plug into wall adapter.
Stanley
10.
has a smoke machine and/or a strobe light if anyone needs to borrow one.
Tina
11.
asked about how to diminish glow and see images from monitors in the background of shots.

said you can match lighting and twiddle with the brightness, If your camera allows it, you can adjust the iris. Most consumer camera just adjust the shutter speed.
Jim

Stanley
12.
worked on continuity pick-up shot for the film co-op kid's workshop. Shot person in robe. Shot above the buckle. It was a critical “transfer of deed” shot.
Don
13.
has lots of good footage of music acts. Not sure about licensing. Some themselves, some for someone else, some would like to just have something out somewhere.
Trying to get enough footage of a group (Group Hug). All things good with sound. Tried last Thursday to get but sound wasn't good enough. P.A. wasn't working well.
Stanley
14.
has a camera that has a microphone input. Audio board typically has a line out or tape out. Usually monaural even though it has stereo capabilities.
Before line gets to camera, have to reduce the signal level by a lot. 2 resistors lower the signal to camera. Hidden with tape.

The following is for “mic in” on a camcorder. If you have “line in” you don't need to do this. W&W electronics in Huntsville is a good place to get cables and such. cheaper compared to Radio Shack.

Attenuator
(*scan of circuit drawing at bottom of notes[if I did this right-jr])

There is no electrical isolation between input and output. Therefore there may be an audio buzz in the background. This happens on on channel of my camcorder. I solve that problem by modifying the audio after the fact {post production]

There are better ways Should us an isolation transformer or an audio buzz will be a problem.

Can buy something similar from radio shack for $4.
Stanley
15.
talked about trucking moves. In one shot, they used a long folding table with its legs folded on the ground to provide a smooth surface that they could pull and hand truck and camera on for a smoother shot.
Don
16.
is looking for a used wheelbarrow for trucking shots.
Don
17.
talked about using lower pressure and bike part for a tracking mechanism.
Stanley
18.
talked about he'd used his bike sometimes for tracking shots. Biggest problem is there was no way to lock the front wheel.
Jim
19.
is working on building a crane out of metal. May have to be on its own trailer.
Stanley
20.
finished a film asked him to bring to the next meeting. here's the link to it.

http://allenb.livejournal.com/264188.html

Alan B. (not present)
21.
plans on making a beacon tracker. LED or 2. Pan and tilt tracking beacon with camera.
Stanley
22.
talked about different software to use:

GNU/Linux-Cinerella, Kino, PiTV

Mac-FinalCut Pro, iMovie

WinXP-Adobe Premiere, Vegas, Pinnacle Studio, Movie Edit Pro
Everyone
23.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcasts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)
filmcoop.blogspot.com
and the livejournal
film co-op community
Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, September 10, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

link to AFMCworkshopmeeting2006_08_13_html_76bcf616.png,
originally uploaded by cainmark.

link to AFMCworkshopmeeting2006_08_13_html_76bcf616.png

Reminder about our own Rocket City Film Festival

2006-08-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.filmcoop.org/events/2006/rcsff.html

CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Deadline is October 1st!

Opens source video contest reminder

2006-08-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

Deadline is now August 20th.

Workshop notes 20060709

2006-08-05T17:08:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, July 09, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N. Reynolds
Attendees

William B.
Trevor B.
Brent C.
Jim R.
Glen S.
Don T.

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Another reminder that meetings are now the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Jim
2.
Eric F. of the Dead Workers Party-

behind the mask
[forgot what this was in reference to-Jim]

Will
3.
talked about getting a 3-chip camera. Jim membered Chris B. telling him the one he used had to have lots and lots of light.
Trevor
4.
Like Moles Like Rats shoot

talked about trying to do the shoot on Holmes avenue bridge by UAH when the wind blew from all over and then the hard rain came.
Will
5.
Dead Workers Party making behind the scenes interviews with the people from L.A. and out of town right now. Later will get Bill and others from here later.
Will
6.
Dead Workers Party
showed the video stuff from the Crash Boom Bang performance
Will
7.
brought videos they had behind a Crash Boom Bang performance. two camera setup.

Will
8.
said the kid's workshop is going well.
Jim helped him find an ancient video camera from the film coop library to use a prop.

Don
9.
rod
shotgun mics
too good of a mike-it was picking up the zooming noises from the camera. Will said they used a 2 camera setup-
stage left high stag left low.
Will
10.
Talked about "Push" a murder movie he did.
Brent
11.

Charlie White "Phone-a-clone"
commercial. actually used twins in it.

Will
12.
Talked about canes and steadicams, buying them and making them.

everyone
13.
(not present) put together the music for the videos the Dead Workers Party had playing on the Crash Boom Bang stage.
Eric F. (not present)
14.
(not present) used the program After effects to blow people's heads off. Andy Kramer site is at
videocopilot
use the word “Charlie" to access that effect.

Eric F. (not present)
15.
J.D. did the 2D animation for the licky lou toilets commercial.

J.D. (not present)
16.
Really liked the style of the tofu stick commercial and that each of their fake commercial had specific styles.
Jim
17.
trying to have the dvd
available by the next Crash Boom Bang show.

Dead Workers Party
18.
talked about DV decks and old 3 chip cameras to use as decks
everyone
19.
Boom poles get expensive. Jim suggested maybe using a lamp housing.
everyone
20.
all use a not made anymore camera. Panasonic PV-DV953 3-chip size. full manual control.

Dead Workers Party
21.
turn stabilizer off when using a tripod.
Brent
22.
Walter putting in a sound stage in next to the DWP studio
Brent
23.
Aftereffects plug-in for green screen.
Brent
24.
talked to the cinematographer to
the movie Bad Santa.
Said that Digital now can look just as good, if not better than film now, as long as the equipment's there.

Don
25.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcasts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)
filmcoop.blogspot.com
and the livejournal
film co-op community
Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, August 13, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

Film Co-op Workshop Blog

2006-07-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

Film Co-op Workshop Blog
Here's an interesting site you may want to check out:

[Info. from Kim Kommando June 2006]

Mix your own videos

In recent months, video sites have taken off. There are countless sites where you can watch people doing strange or mundane things.

My standards are probably higher than the average Web surfer. Don't get me wrong – I love watching videos. But I like videos that are creative or spectacular.

That's why I chose Jumpcut as today's Cool Site. I don't know that the videos posted on the site are cooler than those on other sites. But it lets you create your own videos.

You can upload movie clips, photos and music. Then edit (or mix) them directly on the site! Don't have any great clips? You can "borrow" from other users.

You can share your videos with the world or just with friends and family. You need the free Flash Player to use Jumpcut. I had a lot of fun playing with Jumpcut. I'm sure you will, too.

TO VISIT TODAY'S COOL SITE, GO HERE:
jumpcut.com

[information provided by Sam T. 6 July 2006]

next workshop meeting is this coming Sunday, July 9 at The Flying monkey Arts Center at 2:00pm and NOTES

2006-07-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Some quick notes:

The next workshop meeting is this coming Sunday, July 9 at The Flying monkey Arts Center at 2:00pm.

Don Tingle is in charge of the following:

"Movie Makers: A Filmmaking Workshop for Kids
Presented by the Alabama Filmmakers Co-op (a.k.a. The Film Co-op)

Four consecutive Saturdays:
July 8, 15, 22, and 29 (9 am to 2 pm)"

http://www.filmcoop.org/events/2006/kids.html

and may need some help in various ways. HIs contact info is on that page.

If you go to
http://www.archive.org/details/opensource_movies

and search "ninjas" and "film co-op" you'll find some of the raw footage we've shot.

My computer crashed hard and it's going to take a while to get it to accept video again, so there's nothing from the last shoot from me. If anyone's edited anything together please bring it so we can show it.

Any other film/video projects by anyone is welcome to show them as long as 20 minutes or less.

Call for entries for the Rocket City Film
Festival here:

ttp://www.filmcoop.org/events/2006/rcsff.html

Stanley's Camera 2 footage from 20060507 for the Tina's ninja script.

2006-06-29T16:36:00.000-05:00

Stanley's footage from 20060507 here:

http://www.archive.org/details/StanleyHendrixninjastanleyrawfootagecamera220060507

This is one camera raw footage under a creative commons by-sa license. You can re-mix the footage as long as it's credited to the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op and Tina Leach and released under a identical by-sa license.
The other raw footage should have the keywords of "ninjas; Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op; film co-op; Huntsville; Alabama; FMAC; Flying Monnkey; Flying
Monkey Arts Center" as well in the Open Source movies section of the Internet Archive. Note the use of semi-colons for keyword seperation instead of spaces or commas.

Open Video Contest and hollywoodcamerawork.us

2006-06-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

Just read about this that some of you might be interested in.

Don Tingle showed some of this to us last year. Pretty handy, but still a steep price point for most people.

camerawork

http://www.hollywoodcamerawork.us/

Meeting notes of 2006_06_11

2006-06-14T18:02:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, June 11, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N. Reynolds
Attendees

Herman Beeftank
Alan Berry
Stanley Hendrix
Tina Leach
Mike Knifesmith
Jim Reynolds
Corry Lee Smith
Stan Williams

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Reminder that meetings are now the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Jim
2.
Once again, she found out the main frustration of making a no-budget film-just getting people to show up when there's no money or alcohol involved, no matter how many people said they would help.
Tina
3.
Had a walking stick mono-pod he'd made for his camera. He talked about and showed the infrared shots he specializes in.
Corry
4.
Brought a lot of weapon props for the ninjas to use.
Allen B.
5.
Brought his camera, tripod, and cart for tracking and dolly shots.
Stanley
6.
Talked about a short movie he was working on, a love story ghost story shot in miniDV called “letting Go” with 2 crew, 2 actors, 2 sets. Director of Photoraphy was Stan Williams.
Alan
7.
Asked Tina about releasing all the footage made from her script under a creative commons by-sa license.
Okay with her, so mark all your footage accordingly.
Jim
8.
Asked each person that was there what kind of credit they would like to have as far as full names or not (or pseudonyms).
Jim
9.
Had a great idea of shooting the ninja fights as shadows. With some major re-placement of lighting we got some pretty good shots.
Stan W.
10.
Suggested that everyone with sunglasses could be two people, twin against twin.
Jim
11.
Choreographed most of the fight scenes.
Alan
12.
Suggested that this should be entered into the Rocket City Film Festival for this October.

Encouraged others to finish their own work to enter as well.
Jim
13.
That's a wrap for Tina's ninja film.
Tina
14.
Suggests everyone posting their raw footage to www.archive.org
and tagging with the key words: ninjas, raw footage, cc by-sa

That last is Creative Commons, attribution, share-alike.

Which lets anyone edit the footage together and make their own works as long as their works carry the same license.

Using the new Creative Commons publisher 2.04.3 it's really easy to upload after you sign up to the Internet Archive (well, well worth it.)

Preferably in MP2 or MPEG format, since those take less space and are more ubiquitous codecs that can be used for editing. Add any other additional formats you may wish, however.

Jim
15.
The film co-op workshop provides the time and workspace for making a short, short film once a month. Ideally, one every month for each year until we can put DVD anthologies to sell (a minimal percentage will go to the film co-op to cover space rental and equipment [i.e. The green screen, etc.] only, the rest to be split between the directors or production companies)
Jim
16.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcasts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)
filmcoop.blogspot.com
and the livejournal
film co-op community
Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, July 09, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

quick reminder of Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop Sunday, June 11, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

2006-06-09T14:10:00.000-05:00

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, June 11, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

We'll be shooting the last of Tina Leach's ninja film script. She request that you bring as many people as possible to be fake martial artists with fake weapons (it's okay if you're a rel martial artist (Alan), but fake it for the film.

The only segment missing is Stanley's tracking shots from camera 4 last time. Here are the links to the main pages of cameras 1,2, and 3.

Jim's camera 1 raw footage

http://www.archive.org/details/AlabamaFilmmakersCoopjrninjas2006050701mpg

Tina's camera 2 raw footage:

http://www.archive.org/details/NinjaFilmByTina

Brent's camera 3 raw footage:

http://www.archive.org/details/ALfilmCoOpNinjasCam3-mpeg2

Any local filmmaker who want to participate and/or show their own works of 20 minutes are less are mote than welcome to show their works.

One segment of the ninja film

2006-05-16T14:23:00.000-05:00

This is the raw footage in MPEG format for editing from Jim's camera.

http://www.archive.org/details/AlabamaFilmmakersCoopjrninjas2006050701mpg

Ninja shoot was fun!

2006-05-12T14:54:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, May 07, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N. Reynolds
Attendees

Alan
Chad
William
Chris
Brent
Stanley
Tina
Michael
Jim
Don

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Meetings will be the
2nd Sunday
of the month from now on. There's been and will be too many conflicts with Flying Monkey events and cleaning days, hence the reason for the change.

Resigned as the Secretary and from the Board of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op (which is still looking for more active board members). Will continue to unlock the doors for the workshops. Brought his new camera to shoot with.
Jim, from Catherine S.

Jim
2.
Found out the main frustration of making a no-budget film-just getting people to show up when there's no money or alcohol involved.

Brought her script, camera and Michael.
Tina
3.
Of the deadworkers party brought a really nice camera and tripod to shoot with.
Brent, Boxxy
4.
Brought his camera, tripod, and cart for tracking and dolly shots.
Stanley
5.
Brought a lot of weapon props for the ninjas to use.
Allen B.
6.
Helped Jim with borrowing and finding the ninja costumes from Crash Boom Bang.
Matt of the Crash Boom Bang theatre troupe.
7.
Showed Chad the film co-op library.
Jim
8.
Wore a ninja costume and acted as one of the main ninjas.
Allen B.
9.
Wore a ninja costume and acted as one of the main ninjas.
Chris B.
10.
Acted as the Director from her script.
Tina L.
11.
Shot several scenes and takes from Tina's script.
Everyone
12.
Got lots of close-ups and good overall shots.
Brent
13.
Get throats cut as ninja 1 chases ninja 2 offstage
Chad, Michael, and Boxxy
14.
Lots of fight mock-ups to composite together since we only had two ninja costumes.
Allen B., Chris B.
15.
Briefly was a ninja during the film co-op green screen pre-fight segment.
Anna Sue
16.
Suggests everyone posting their raw footage to www.archive.org
and tagging with the key words: ninjas, raw footage, film coop, film co-op, Alabama filmmakers Co-op, cc by-nc-sa

That last is Creative Commons, attribution, non-commerical, share-alike.

Which lets anyone edit the footage together and make their own works as long as they don't make any money off it and their works carry the same license.

Select the license after its been uploaded if you need to.

Using the new Creative Commons publisher 2.0 it's really easy to upload after you sign up to the Internet Archive (well, well worth it.)

Preferably in MP2 or MPEG formant, since those take less space and are more ubiquitous codecs that can be used for editing. Add any other additional formats you may wish, however.

Jim
17.
Told Brent and meant everyone else to know that each month the film co-op workshop provides the time and workspace for making a short, short film once a month. Ideally, once every to every other month for each year until we can put DVD anthologies to sell (a percentage will go to the film co-op to cover space rental and equipment [i.e. The green screen, etc.] only, the rest to be split between the directors or production companies)
Jim
18.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcasts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)
filmcoop.blogspot.com
and the livejournal
film co-op community
Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, June 11, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

Ninjas and film/videomakers desired

2006-05-04T16:11:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, May 7 we'll have our monthly Film Co-op workshop meeting. It's at 2 pm in the Flying Monkey.

Tina's script calls for Ninjas and between 2-4pm we'll be filming/videotaping everything we can for her script.

Anyone wanting technical or theatrical practice is welcome.

Her script is here:

http://filmcoop.blogspot.com/2006/04/script.html#links

New Board Members Wanted

2006-05-04T15:11:00.000-05:00

This meeting is open to the public.

This Sunday, May 7 we'll have our monthly Film Co-op board meeting. It's at 4 pm in the Flying Monkey.

Please come with ideas for films to show, discussion leaders to bring in, and recommendations for new board members.

Jim Reynolds resigned as the Secretary and from the board, but will still be opening the doors for the workshops.

The more people actively involved, the better *your* film co-op can serve you and your community.
Jim did his part for several years. Now it's your turn.

Cave Walls Cinema_Ebertfest

2006-04-22T21:09:00.001-05:00

Don will be traveling to Roger Ebert's annual "Overlooked Film Festival".
He posted his first blog about "Ebertfest" (as it's commonly called).
His Blog address is

http://cavewalls-cinema.blogspot.com

2006-04-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

post script

2006-04-19T17:34:00.000-05:00

The script was posted by Tina Leach by the way.

Script

2006-04-19T17:30:00.000-05:00

K, so here is a very very very rough draft of the script for the movie we talked about last time. I also have the short story that I wrote that it's based on. It's open to suggestion, as I've never written a script before. (but be gentle, I am a tempermental artist after all)
-----------
INT. THEATER.

DIRECTOR is holding two resumes and perusing them. He is looking straight ahead at two men that are off-camera.

DIRECTOR
Great guys, I assume you can start immediately?

Camera pans to show that the interviewees (NINJA1 and NINJA2) are ninjas. The Ninjas stand still and make no remark or gesture of any sort. Camera stays on them long enough to ensure that they will not speak.

DIRECTOR
Well alright. Welcome aboard.

Both ninjas look at each other and glare. A small glare, but a noticable one.

Fade out

INT. THEATER

Several shots of the ninjas as stagehands. Show a set, then cutaway, then the set is changed. NINJA1 and NINJA2 are in the same place. Sort of a montage. Show sets changed before actors are changed clothes.

INT. THEATER during a performance. Sound of applause and curtain goes down. NINJA1 and NINJA2 walk onstage. ACTORS are standing by watching backstage. Several cutaways from NINJAS to ACTORS to show how fast things are taken down.

SLOW MOTION shot of a board dropped by NINJA2 that lands on NINJA1’s foot.

NINJA1 kicks away board.

Both NINJAS stare at each other. Camera holds on this for suspense.

ACTORS stand by. No one moves. One of the ACTORS coughs. NINJAS immediately adopt a fighting stance.

Cue sound of a gong.

Camera pans to see a group of MARTIAL ARTS EXPERTS1 of all types running in to take a fighting stance behind NINJA1. Camera holds on this, then pans to NINJA2 where a second group of MARTIAL ARTS EXPERTS2 run in to take a fighting stance behind NINJA2. Both sides freeze in their poses.

one of MARTIAL ARTS EXPERTS2 (line will probably change)
Mortal Kombat!!!!

Cue the techno music. Then there is Ninja fighting. DIRECTOR looks around confused at where the music came from. All of ACTORS stand by starting fascinated and horrified and will be killed in some way by the crossfire. Only DIRECTOR survives. Fighting eventually becomes 1 on 1 (a disembodied voice in the background says things like “finish him” or “Fatality”), with winner from one fight will fight another winner until only NINJA1 and NINJA2 survive.

DIRECTOR runs into his office.

INT. DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

DIRECTOR searches through his desk until he finds his cd case. DIRECTOR rushes out of office. Walks around through theater searching for where the music comes from. As he gets closer to it, the music gets louder. NINJA1 and NINJA2 are about to fight, they take their fighting stance.

cut to DIRECTOR finding stereo system playing techno music.

cut to NINJAS about to fight

cut to DIRECTOR hitting stop on stereo.

cut to NINJAS staring at someone offscreen. They drop the fighting stance.

cut to DIRECTOR putting a different cd in the stereo.

a very, very sad song begins to play (something like Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself.”)

cut to NINJAS who immediately start weeping and then eventually sit on stage still crying.

DIRECTOR walks over to NINJAS

DIRECTOR (to NINJAS)
You killed all my actors, got blood all over my sets, and overall have caused me a whole lot of stress. That’s it. You’re both fired.

NINJAS drop heads in shame and leave the theater.

DIRECTOR
I’m never hiring ninjas again.

END

Fimmaker's Worksop Meeting Notes of 2006_04_02

2006-04-12T17:08:00.000-05:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, Apr 02, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting
Workshop
Meeting called by
James N. Reynolds, Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Secretary
Attendees

Trevor B.
Tina L.
Jim R.
Don T.

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Showed Trevor the Film Co-op library
Jim
2.
Libel Mouse (name was Don's idea)-
A mouse that gets revenge for its species by
suing mankind for injuries
Don, Tina, Jim
3.
Told by Catherine S. that the current “lounge area” is going to become a sound studio that Walter A. is donating to the Flying Monkey as long as he has access to it.
Jim
4.
Discussed separation of channels for the sound system we may get for showing films. Home theatre splits may be a problem for the audience in the back.
Don
5.
Brought up that the Film Co-op is building an archive for other film/videomakers to use.

Raw footage

Suggested using the mini-DV format and placing on DVDs with MPEG and Quicktime formats.
Jim

Don
6.
Talked about working on her puppet movie
Tina
7.
Will donate an older video card, but the film coop still needs a computer with enough power to video edit.
Jim
8.
Summer movie making workshop. Will be on Saturdays sometime in the Summer if anyone wants to volunteer to help him.

This time he knows to start with some of the kids who are writers

Had thought about doing an animation workshop in conjunction with SciQuest but they already have 2 animation programs for kids and hadn't heard back form them for any other connection with our film/video workshop.

Don

Anna Sue (not present)
9.
Needs to borrow the use of a trampoline for footage if anyone knows of anyone who'd be okay with that.
Tina
10.
Found a link (he couldn't remember where) of an
interview of a screenwriter (might have been the one who wrote Rainman) who talked about workflows and processes.
Trevor
11.
We'll start using the workshop to start videoing actual stories and things as well as showings.

Offered to write a shooting script
Don, Jim

Tina
12.
Locations

Interesting places to use to film/videotape in Huntsville and surrounding area.

Building a list for future use.

Example: Off of Dallas Street in the 5 points area where the old fie training academy used to be is a drainage ditch that has two really neat-looking stone archways. Shoot close on that an you can use it as a location or a second unit shot.
Jim
13.
Filmmaker friendly sites and the liaison for use

i.e. Chris B. and Curtis for OTCS

said Chris at Burning Nun was okay with her using that as a location

Jim, Don, Tina

Tina
14.
Discussed doing “experiments in style” from the same script, like one could be all extreme closeups.

Discussed a movie he saw at Roger Ebert's Overlooked film festival called Overtime that was shot in 70mm in long distance.
Jim

Don
15.
Firefly movie from the TV show had an explanation of how they did what looked like long continuous shots.

They would do a “whip pan” at a key point where its much harder to tell where an edit is.

They set-up two sets and edited to suit,
Trevor
16.
Knowing your ending helps a lot

Character Animators start with beginning pose and ending pose and wok on the middle and back and forth.

Just writes from the beginning and it usually just works out
Don

Jim

Tina
17.
Quote he couldn't remember where from:

“Stage plays are better verbally. Movies are better visually”

and

Neil Simon quote for comedy:
“Write Jewish, cast British”
Don
18.
Next Month we will start working on shoots for short movies during the workshop as well as showing things.
Jim, Don, Tina
19.
Cut-aways:

when 2 shots, it looks stilted.

When 3 shots, it has a better flow.

Don
20.
Tricks he learned from wedding photography:

Get a little bean bag a little bigger than your camera and you can use it as a stable base.

When you can't use a clapboard because you have to be quiet at an event you can use a photo flash. You use the white frame to sync up with any other sources.
Don
21.
Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcasts or homepages, vlogs, videos, etc.)

filmcoop.blogspot.com

and

the livejournal

film co-op community
Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, May 07, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

Filmmaker's workshop meeting and reminder about DST

2006-03-30T17:17:00.000-06:00

Daylight Savings Time starts this weekend so don't forget to spring forward one hour.

Then Sunday we'll have these meetings. Bring any work you'd like to share undr 20 minutes. Questions you'd like to ask, movie or movie commentaries you'd like to discuss, etc.

Sunday - 2nd - Film Co-op -- Filmmakers meeting (2pm)

Sunday - 2nd - Film Co-op -- Board meeting. Everyone welcome. (4pm)

Bubble tonight (Friday)

2006-03-24T13:09:00.000-06:00

Friday, March 24 @ 8 pm
Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Drive
Admission: $5 / $3 Film Co-op members

http://www.filmcoop.org/events/2006/bubble.html

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop

2006-03-18T14:29:00.000-06:00

Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Type of meeting

Workshop

Meeting called by

James N. Reynolds, Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Secretary

Attendees

Anna Sue

Stanley
Tina

Jim

Don (briefly)

Sam

Topics

Num.

Topic

Responsible

1.

This Saturday and Sunday is the music video shootout

Deadworkers, but none there this time (assuming they're getting everything ready to go for this weekend).

2.

Showed off her cool new tiny camera, a Canon ZR600. 25X Optical zoom and less than $4oo with USB, analog, and firewire connections.

Tina

3.

Brought a lawn and garden cart that's big enough for a person and a tripod. Was $70 with good wheels and holds up to 1000 pounds. Useful for dolly shots.

Stanley

4.

Returned material of Jim's that was used in Shawn Webster's & Co. improvisation performance the night before.

Anna Sue

5.

Tina on Stanley's cart filming with her camera, handheld, then on a tripod. Then on the cart with the camera facing her so the background moved behind her as she spoke.

Tina, Stanley, Jim

6.

Brought a neat little short video he did called Building a House... Full

Sam

7.

Showed the video montage he did for Shawn.

Jim

8.

Meant to talk about this but forgot. “Listening shots” are incredibly useful, because other characters can be saying anything and it will change the tone of the visuals of whomsoever speaking.

Jim

9.

Remember to check and post (please, others, post as much as you can, especially about your projects and useful information, like your podcast , vlogs, vods or homepages, etc.)

http://filmcoop.blogspot.com/

and

the livejournal film coop_work

http://community.livejournal.com/filmcoop_work/

Jim

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :

Sunday, April 02, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

The Cole Nobody Knows

2006-03-06T17:00:00.000-06:00

The Black Maria Film Festival

http://www.blackmariafilmfestival.org/index.php

is at the Huntsville Museum of Art next month.

This entry:

The Cole Nobody Knows

http://www.planbproductions.com/Freddy_Cole/

will definitely be here.

Added bonus: The Director Clay Walker will probably be here to discuss his film!

The next workshop meeting will be 2006_03_12 instead of 03_05

2006-03-02T14:16:00.000-06:00

The next workshop meeting will be Sunday 2006_03_12 at 2:00pm

Because the Flying Monkey is hosting this event.

Sunday - 5th - The Vagina Monologues (2:30pm)

The weekend after the workshop meeting is the Dead Workers Party Music Video Shootout

Saturday - 18th - The Music Video Shootout 2006 hosted by The Dead Workers Party

Sunday - 19th - The Music Video Shootout 2006 hosted by The Dead Workers Party

ourmedia.org's learning center

2006-02-23T16:52:00.000-06:00

Good information at ourmedia.org's learning center

http://www.ourmedia.org/learning-center

Kent Bye and the Echo Chamber project

2006-02-22T14:27:00.000-06:00

Kent Bye and the Echo Chamber project website has this cool chart on collaborative filmmking, expecially using Final Cut Pro.

http://www.echochamberproject.com/collaborativefilmmaking

(I had a direct link to the chart here but it messed up the blog site. If anyone know how to put it in without it messing up the blog, please do and erase this note. Thanks!)

'Bubble' Film coming to the co-op

2006-02-21T14:50:00.000-06:00

I just noticed that Sodergergh's 'Bubble' is being shown by the co-op. This is the first of six films using a new simultaneous distribution model. Cool stuff. Here is a link to more info:

http://www.bubblethefilm.com/media/

-Trevor

Practice Assignment #01

2006-02-15T17:57:00.000-06:00

I had an idea for a practice assignment: Film/video one continuous minute of the most boring thing you can think of (i.e. watching paint dry, someone _else_ enjoying a video game or reading, etc.) and make it interesting visually just with edits or color or light changes. Use sound, too, if you need to, but remember the visuals should overpower the sound, not the other way around. The end product should end up being 1 minute, though.

This is from the Livejournal community for the Alabama Film Maker's Co-op

2006-02-15T17:49:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Chris Brown for running the meeting last time!

He createad a LiveJournal community here:

http://community.livejournal.com/filmcoop_work/

which is great for those of us already using livejournal. If not, use the name and password available to post your own ideas and thoughts and links and goodies and so forth that will be of interest and help out members of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op.

Notes from Chris Brown blow:

2006.02.08 03.15
links from feb. workshop meeting

I just found these in my notes, so I thought I’d post them here. These are a few links that were mentioned during this month’s discussion.

www.creativecow.net

www.dvgarage.com

www.modfilms.com

100 Second Festival

2006-01-28T14:15:00.000-06:00

http://100second.ltc.org/

"CALL FOR ENTRIES!!!

The 100 Second Festival is an open ended motion media extravanganza. We are seeking media makers from all skill levels and backgrounds to test the creative constraint of 100 seconds. There's no entrance fee, come on in, the front door is wide open! The submissions will be reviewed, posted and hosted in an online archive. The best of these submissions will be packaged, promoted and projected as the 100 Second Festival.

Summer Screening 2006
DEADLINE MAY 1st"

I thought this might be a good incentive for some us to make a short short film as fast as we can a submit them to this. A lot can be cone in 1 minute and 40 seconds.

What I Did (Sometimes Still Do) when posting a Video

2006-01-20T12:20:00.001-06:00

Okay, this is pretty geeky and technical, but once I did several this way it was just time consuming, not difficult. I've since settled on MPEG1 as something everyone can play and the Internet Archive automatically makes a large and small MP4 file size from it.

Since I got Quicktime 7 Pro I may change a few things, like saving to the H.264 format.

Mainly this is here for anyone who thinks they could use this information. Freevlog has a lot this, but I just wanted to share how I did (and sometimes still do) this:

BEGIN:

These are notes for me for the steps I can't ever remember correctly for posting to my vlog.
Opening, Title, Video, Music or video or other sources used credits, Creative commons (Attribution to: my psuedonym or legal name) or Public Domain information, vlog title, title of vlog location, link to vlogmap of my location.
Save basic file in this format: jr_Title_2005Mon00
Make these versions:
Mpeg or Mp2 at DVD settings 768x576 or 640x480 for archival purposes and later usage in editing..
Mpg version 1 with VCD settings. (best tradeoff for size and quality as I'm using VHS-C as my source material, not digital.)
Wmv version (crappy quality, but very low file size)
Avi version using Divx 5.11 (excellent quality, but still pretty darn big.)
MOV version (need to use Quicktime Pro) by opening Mpg version 1 with VCD settings.
Save the MOV with Sorenson 3 codec. (very good quality for the size, especially if using Quicktime Pro to see in fullscreen)
Set poster frame and save this frame to a BMP.
Open Irfanview(awesome freeware graphics editor!) and save BMP as JPG.
Upload JPG file to www.Flickr.com account (the www.Ourmedia.org image section seems to be pretty unstable at the moment.)
3gp saved from MOV (need to use Quicktime Pro) (fair to good quality for tiny file size-check to make sure the sound was exported [it gets dropped sometimes])
Upload the Mpg 1 version, the wmv version, and the MOV version to the Internet Archive via Ourmedia Publisher or the www.Ourmedia.org publish page.
The Internet archive automatically creates two Mp4 versions, the 64k mp4 and the 256k Mp4.
Check to see if loaded into the Internet Archive by typing into its search field “collection:ourmedia AND “insert e-mail address here”
Post the following template into my blog's PN-Vlog entry and change as necessary.


<a href=”title at internet archive page”>title at internet archive page</a>
<a href=”3gp”>3gp</a>
<a href=”avi”>avi</a>
<a href=”Mov”>MOV</a>
<a href=”Mp4”>Mp4</a>
<a href=”Mpg”>Mpg</a>
<a href=”wmv”>wmv</a>
Create a bittorrent file if you can ever learn how to as well.  The version of the Opera browser after 8.01 (9 when released stable) should have built in torrent support.
Make tags:  cainvlog, pn, pn-vlog
Go to Flickr, post picture of JPG from video to blog.
Copy the information that Flickr posted and delete that post.  Go to the previous post and 
change <a href=”Mov”> the  <IMG="image.jpg">image.jpg <Palign="center"><IMG SRC=”Image.jpg" border=5>MOV</a>  and  as necessary for the Mp4 version.
Make a "port" page like www.Rocketboom.com (which has an awesome layout for ease of use for newbies)  has for each entry.

END



DIY bottlecap tripod
2006-01-19T11:29:00.000-06:00
This is pretty nifty if you can find the right thread of screw.


DIY bottlecap tripod

http://www.jakeludington.com/archives/000227.html


Microcinema Map
2006-01-15T18:31:00.000-06:00

Alabama Film Coop added to the Microcinema Map on Wayfaring.


How To Make An Underwater  Video Camera Housing
2006-01-13T17:16:00.000-06:00
just came across this neat informatio:


How To Make An Underwater
Video Camera Housing For $19 and capture some amazing underwater footage!


January's Meeting Notes
2006-01-13T15:26:00.001-06:00
Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, Jan 08, 2006, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
The group behind the 24-hour Music video contest (details available at deadworkers.com ) showed up and passed out their flyers.  They have the Flying monkey space reserved for for Sunday and Saturday on Mar 18 and 19, 2006.

The following from their website gives a little more background and the submission date.

“ through February 15, 2006 what’s going to happen is that a bunch of talented local filmmakers will submit their best short films.  The DWP judges are going to review the submitted films and narrow the competition down to four filmmakers.  The best local musicians are going to submit their original songs (also by 2/15/06) and DWP judges are going to shoot down each other’s favorite until only one song is left standing.  On March 1st the judges will notify the filmmakers that they have been chosen to compete and the musician(s) will be notified that their song is to be the one.”

William 
J. D. 
Eric
Claire

*UPDATE*
1B.  Missed this when transcribing the notes.

showed us a video he did of the 2001 Leonid Meteor showers.  The last shot one was great!.  He used music from OpSound for the video.
Sam

2.
showed us a music video he did.  He used Vegas Video, and an effect called “velocity”-speeds up and slows down. (velocity envelope in Vega Video tutorial)
Flashing imagery of himself.  He filmed the background first, 
then inserted himself in 1 to 2 frames at a time.
He added the sound effects to the music video .
Eric
1.
The other music video he showed was an older one using VHS to VHS with a time base corrector and a Videotoaster.

The strobe effects in the tunnel visuals were accomplished with strobe fireworks.  They put off a lot of smoke, which was an effect he was looking for.
Eric
2.
I'm posting these links again because they really are so dang useful:

http://www.creativecommons.org

Http://www.archive.org

Http://www.opsound.org

Http://www.projectgutenberg.org

Http://www.loc.gov

Edison Wax Cylinders
also, checkout 

freevlog
 
and

http://www.ourmedia.org

Jim 
3.
green screen
and the different uses.  Needs to be lit separately from the subject.  Useful for virtual sets, as well as action sequences.  Imagery can be keyed out to different colors in editing from original footage.  Many, many uses.
Everyone
4.
Talked about different interests, like 3D that Richard does for MACRO Industries, 2D animation, music videos, films, music, etc.
Everyone
5.
Showed his homemade stabilizer and how he built it and its various uses. 
Sri 

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, Feb 5, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center


Music video contest
2006-01-05T16:17:00.000-06:00
Just saw this ad the other day and I encourage all of you to enter this contest if you can:

"Can you stay up past your bedtime and make a music video in 24 hours? 

Prove it and win 500 bucks!! Submit any short film that you've created on or before February, 15th 2006."

More information at:

http://www.deadworkers.com/film.php


Last Months meeting notes
2006-01-05T14:58:00.000-06:00
Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop
Sunday, December 04, 2005, 2:00, Flying Monkey Arts Center

Topics
Num.
Topic
Responsible
1.
Set up a blogger blog for the filmmaker's co-op workshop group to use at:
Http://filmcoop.blogspot.org
Jim
2.
Archive.org is a great site for finding public domain and Creative Commons (http://www.creativecommons.org) works that you can use for re-mixing your own works and a place you can post your own non-restrictive copyright works for free distribution through the internet.  The Moving Images subsection has over 500 feature films in the public domain, over 2000 “ephemeral” educational and other types of films like “Duck and Cover”.  

Http://www.archive.org

Http://www.opsound.org

Http://www.projectgutenberg.org

Http://www.loc.gov

Jim
1.
Troubles at first with the Crash Bang Boom set taking up most all of the first floor and their borrowing and the disconnection of the film co-op projector from the film co-op cart to use for their shows on Saturday and Sunday.  One of the Crash Bang Booms helped me change the set so we could use the DVD player and projector at least (VHS player that's usually connected was disconnected and not enough time to set up properly, so we couldn't show some of the VHS stuff we had).
Jim
2.
Set up the green screen in front of the stage so we could use it for shooting tests.
Jim, Sam, Stanley
3.
Talked about the script for a short movie she's working on.
Tina
4.
Said he saw a camera that had no moving parts for less than $600.  He remembered that it was Samsung, but not the model number.
Stanley
5.
Talked about using Day-for-night techniques.  
tried to make sure there were no hard shadows in his projects. 
noted that there were plenty of hard shadows in movies that had used the technique.
Said most of the Hammer horror movies used that technique and there were plenty of hard shadows in them.
Chris, Don
Chris
Don
Jim
6.
Played around with green screen, using lights, a portable light, an old car steering wheel, and a set of venetian blinds
Everyone
7.
Used old steering wheel and pretended to be driving so other car information can be composited in.
Jim
8.
Sam asked Tina to look through the blinds and say the 4 seasons in order.
Sam
Tina
9.
Talked about a found footage project he'd heard of where people had gone around to flea markets and garage sales and used movies found there (like old home movies) for their own re-mixes.
Sam

Additional information:

The next scheduled meeting of the Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Workshop :
Sunday, January 8, 2006, 2:00, at the Flying Monkey Arts Center


Film Co-op Workshop Meeting for 2006Jan08
2006-01-04T17:58:00.000-06:00
January Film Co-op Workshop meeting is Sunday, January 08, 2006.
2:00pm at the Flying Monkey Arts Center

Bring your cameras, lights, equipment, tripods, gels, filters, and lets have some fun!


jr_FMACeventpromo2005dec16
2005-12-09T17:48:00.000-06:00
jr_FMACeventpromo2005dec16

This is a 22 second promo for an event this december at the flying monkey arts center in huntsville, Alabama.

jr_FMACeventpromo2005dec1



Main Page

http://www.archive.org/details/JamesNReynoldsjrFMACeventpromo2005dec1601


Mpeg1 (4 Meg)

http://www.archive.org/download/JamesNReynoldsjrFMACeventpromo2005dec1601/jr_FMACeventpromo2005dec16_01.mpg


Mp4 small (393.2K)
http://www.archive.org/download/JamesNReynoldsjrFMACeventpromo2005dec1601/jr_FMACeventpromo2005dec16_01_64kb.mp4


Mp4 Large (962.7K)
http://www.archive.org/download/JamesNReynoldsjrFMACeventpromo2005dec1601/jr_FMACeventpromo2005dec16_01_256kb.mp4


I did what I could with my shaky footage of Tina in front of the gren screen.  I did the best I could with the audio.  If I'd thought of it at the time I'd have created "bumpers" of music for the beginning and end.


Freevlog
2005-12-01T19:40:00.000-06:00
www.freevlog.org has GREAT advice on how to get your works up on the net for free.

There are step-by-step video tutorials and text versions of the same.

Check it out!



freevlog


2005-11-23T09:44:00.000-06:00
dynamic range test

Main Dynamic Range page

small mp4 (1.3 meg)

large mp4 (2.9 meg)

mpeg (11.6 meg)


Internet Archive
2005-11-19T16:46:00.000-06:00
This is a great resource

Internet Archive

for film makers.

The moving images section has tons of great public domain footage in the Feature Films, and Prelinger Archives collections.

The Audio section, if you go to open source audio and type in the search box "public domain"  you'll get great links to works of ragtime, folk and blues form the beginning o the last century.

The Film Vintage Chest section has some great public domain Betty Boop cartoons.


Public domain audio (WAV format only for public domain)  on Edison Wax Cylinders
2005-11-17T18:23:00.000-06:00
This is pretty nifty:

Public domain audio (WAV format only for public domain)  on Edison Wax Cylinders

Edison Wax Cylinders


Camelfunkshine01
2005-11-16T23:17:00.000-06:00
Chris Brown shot this quick video of me in a camel mask wearing a fedora and acting goofy (er than usual).

Mpeg 1 version

Mp4 small

Mp4 larger


Welcome!
2005-11-15T18:32:00.000-06:00
Welcome to the Alabama Filmaker's Co-op Workshop blog!

This is for members of the Alabama Filmaker's Co-op Workshop to post any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, links to their own works or others they want to share.

Jim Reynolds
Alabama Filmmaker's Co-op Secretary

www.filmcoop.org


Ninjas and filmmakers/videographers, lighting and sound people with equipment  desired
1990-05-04T15:38:00.000-05:00
This Sunday, May 7 we'll have our monthly Film Co-op workshop meeting. It's at 2 pm in the Flying Monkey.

Tina's script calls for Ninjas and between 2-4pm we'll be filming/videotaping everything we can for her script.

(If anyone can provide ninja costumes or can bring their own, so much the better)

Anyone wanting technical or theatrical practice is welcome.

Her script is here:

http://filmcoop.blogspot.com/2006/04/script.html#links